Ashgold fail to progress in Champions League

Obuasi, April 6, GNA - Ashantigold failed to qualify to the next stage of the CAF Champions league when they drew goalless at home with JS Kabylie of Algeria in the second leg of the competition at the Obuasi Len Clay Sports stadium on Sunday.

Ashogold who lost the first leg 0-3 to the opponents two weeks ago in Algiers had themselves to blame when they threw away the numerous goal scoring chances that came their way to the chagrin of their faithful home fans.

The 'Miners' were the first to go into action when the Gabonese referee Louis Rembngouet signalled for proceedings to begin and wasted an early chance when Nathaniel Quaye shot off target.

The Algerians who showed indications of defending their three goal lead had a chance in the 14th minute but the powerful shot from Yacine Amaouche was beautifully parried to corner by goal keeper Fatau Dauda and the resultant kick wasted.

Ashgold in a counter attack nearly took the lead in the 21st minute but David Telfer missed the chance to the dissatisfaction of the home fans who were desperately 'crying' for goals. JSK exhibited tactful football with ease and came close to scoring in the 26th minute but keeper Dauda was quick to come out to save the tricky situation.

Sensing danger and with the defence of the Ashgold completely broken, coach David Duncan quickly brought in a half fit Alex Asamoah for Umar Gariba in the 29th minute to strengthen the attack. Quaye had an opportunity but his shot at goal in the 33rd minute was parried to corner by JSK's keeper Faouti Chaouchi while his defender, Meftah Mohamed was shown the yellow for rough play.

In the 42nd minute, the 'wasteful' Quaye was on target again but his powerful drive hit the cross bar in a goal-mouth melee while substitute Asamoah also headed away a chance in the 44th minute. JSK made two swift changes thereafter and just as the team was filing into the dressing the referee showed Nabil Hemani the red card for hitting assistant referee two with the ball.

JSK who resumed the second half with ten men decided to pack their defence and made it extremely difficult for the Ashgold strikers to penetrate their ranks to cause any havoc.

Ashgold who seemed unduanted with the defensive strategy of the visitors occasionally managed to penetrate the tight defence of JSK failing to utilize their chances to slot the ball into the net with substitute Eric Ofori Amanfo wasting a beautiful chance in the 53rd minute. In the 73rd minute Ashgold were awarded a penalty when Asamoah was brought down in the box but Mubarak Wakaso's kick was saved by the agile keeper of JSK. Quaye also followed up with another waste of a chance in the 89th minute when instead of shooting at goal he decided to dribble a cluster of defenders in the vital area but he finally fumbled in front of goal to deny his side with even a consolation goal.

Ashgold Line up: Fatau Dauda, Umar Gariba/Alex Asamoah, Anthony Baffoe, Owusu Sefa/Ofori Amankwa, Jonathan Mensah, David Telfer, Alhaji Shaibu, Eric Adu Poku, Nathaniel Quaye, Stephen Ansah/Eric Ofori Amanfo and Mubarak Wakaso.